Monday, May 3, 2010

An uneventful trip to the doctor

I'm at exactly a week post-op today. The only two trips I've made out of the house have been to seek medical attention. Needless to say, it's been a pretty uneventful seven days!

My right surgical drain had reached its criteria for removal: less than 30 cc's of output over 24 hours for two consecutive days. However, I have been concerned with the swelling on that side, specifically because it's the side of my axillary node dissection and I worry about lymphedema. My doctor didn't seem too worried, and chalked up the swelling to surgery. It makes sense...my chest underwent a pretty significant remodel one short week ago. I suppose some swelling is both inevitable and understandable. So I will keep both of my drains in until at least my appointment on Friday.

Brian has been doing an absolutely amazing job taking care of my every need. He's lovingly and patiently washed, drained, and redressed my incisions several times a day. He's readjusted my pillows, given me my medicine, brought me my meals, washed my hair, filled my water bottle, dressed me, gone out of his way in the car to avoid the bumpy roads...I could go on and on. I'm so blessed to have him by my side through all of this.

Thank you for all of your love and support as I battle through this. Many of you have sent cards, brought meals or stopped by for a visit. Many others support me by praying or sending good thoughts my way. I appreciate it all.